Disclaimer: I am not a doctor and this is not medical advice. I’m sharing what has worked for me on my journey using natural remedies to support my health.
Even without additional COVID-19 concerns, it is getting to be that time of year when the flu and cold bugs start going around. The long nights, cold temperatures, and allergies make it easy for our household to feel run down and under the weather.
Whenever one of us wakes up with a tickle in our throats or seems to be catching something, I turn to one of these natural remedies to boost the immune system and soothe our bodies. Both of these recipes are easy to make. Likely you already have the ingredients on hand in your own kitchen.
Raw apple cider vinegar acts as a detox, clearing toxins from the body, and boosts the immune system. It is also a great source of vitamins and minerals. Honey makes the tonic and tea drinkable with it’s added sweetness to balance out the vinegar. It is also has antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. Plus it soothes a sore throat.
Cayenne Pepper is a natural immune system booster and has anti inflammatory power. Ginger is a natural pain reliever, fever reducer, decongestant, and supports the immune system. Turmeric is a natural anti-inflammatory and powerful antioxidant. Cinnamon has these natural properties as well and helps fight bacterial infection.
An Easy Tonic to Boost the Immune System
I first heard about combining these ingredients from my mother-in-law. She makes a syrup concoction out of them to keep in the fridge. During allergy or cold season, she has a spoonful a day and swears by it. In this recipe, I take the same ingredients in a small amount and add warm water for an easy tonic to drink.
- 1 tbsp raw apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp raw honey (local honey helps with allergies)
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 2 tbsp warm water (not boiling to avoid killing the good bacteria in the raw ACV)
Add the raw apple cider vinegar to a mug. Stir in your spices. Pour in the warm water. Stir in the raw honey until dissolved. Enjoy.
This could also be enjoyed with cold or room temperature water but I find it goes down better warm. My tip is to drink it quickly and through a straw, especially if you’re sensitive to spicy food. Doing it that way keeps my lips from burning with the cayenne pepper.
Variation:
I often add 1/4 tsp turmeric and 1/4 tsp cinnamon to my mixture for extra health benefits.
A Simple Tea for When You’re Feeling Sick
I saw this recipe on one of the Homesteading Family’s videos, Immune Boosting Throat Soothing Tea. I knew I had to try this simple combination immediately since we always have these ingredients on hand.
- 2 tbsp raw apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp raw honey (local helps with allergies)
- 1/2 inch piece of fresh ginger thinly sliced (1/8 tsp dried ginger can be substituted)
- 6-8 ounces of hot water (not boiling)
Add all of the ingredients to a mug. Pour in the warm to hot water depending on your preferences. Stir to dissolve the honey.
Inhaling the steam from this tea is great for your sinuses and breaking down congestion. Depending on your symptoms it might be worth using hotter water for that benefit. The good bacteria found in raw apple cider vinegar stays alive or active for 10 minutes in hot water so depending on how fast you drink it you can have the benefits of both.
When I’m feeling off especially during cold and flu season, I consume one of these option once a day, usually in the morning.
Some of my favorite teas to get me through the rest of the day are:
- Yogi Enchinacea Immune Support
- Yogi Throat Comfort
- Gypsy Cold Care from Traditional Medicinals
- Any Throat Coat variety from Traditional Medicinals
Other Recipes I Use These Ingredients For:
- I wash my hair with this homemade shampoo and sometimes follow it with an apple cider vinegar rinse.
- Honey is one of the ingredients in my natural body wash.
- I use fresh ginger in my ginger beer recipe. It is fermented using a ginger bug. Eating fermented foods helps maintain a healthy gut which supports the immune system.
What natural remedies do you use to stay healthy during cold and flu season? What are your favorite foods for health?
